With almost two decades of Cup experience and over 50 wins, the Bristol winner Denny Hamlin is undoubtedly a tough nut to crack. Denny and his iconic #11 Camry have been on and around the tracks for a long time. However, that has failed to capitalize on a championship win so far. Inarguably one of the best drivers in current times, Hamlin has missed out on a championship title by close margins at times.

But does he stop trying for it? Not for a second. The 2023 season has brought new hope for the 42-year-old. Running as a title contender, will Denny finally land the elusive Cup Series trophy? The way things are going, he indeed can.

Led last playoff weekend, won this one, and is back with his playful trash-talking

Denny was unlucky not to win a race the first two weekends of the playoffs. At Darlington, he spun out of contention after staying in the lead for a prolonged period. Kyle Larson, his strongest competitor so far, saw an opening and was quick to make a move that eventually won him the race.

Similarly, at Kansas, the JGR driver was again on course to win up until the final laps of the race. A Chris Buescher wreck forced a late restart, sending Denny Hamlin back to the third row. From there on, he did have his chance to go into the lead to battle with his driver from 23XI Racing, Tyler Reddick. Hamlin paid too much attention to Larson again, who was hot on his heels coming from the 18th. Due to this, he lost sight of the trophy again.

But in the third week, Bristol winner Denny Hamlin’s efforts finally paid off, and in quite a pompous manner. The 23XI co-owner ended his series of bad luck to end up P1, rising the ranks throughout the race. However, as has been the case since time immemorial, the fans didn’t like him winning. The Bristol Motor Speedway arena echoed with boos as Hamlin walked around the track.

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The victor was in no mood for any jeers as he silenced them with a stamp of authority, saying, “Hey, I beat your favorite driver… all of them”. It looks like Hamlin is back to his infuriating tactics and his best form in terms of racing.

Fans crown Bristol winner Denny Hamlin as ‘the best heel‘

The amount of hate and criticism the fanbase has for Denny Hamlin is unreal. The Joe Gibbs driver and team owner haven’t backed out of taking it to the chin either. From time to time, Denny Hamlin has backed up his words with amazing results as well. Apart from that, the No. 11 understands that be it through positive or negative feelings, he has managed to get the crowd going.

On Twitter, fans have shown a mixed response to the Bristol winner. While some have continued on the bandwagon of going against him, many have also praised him for being the much-needed heel of the drama-filled industry.

One fan posted, “Now that Kyle Busch is a fan favorite with his switch, Denny decided to take over, and boy is he a perfect fit.”

“That’s why I love @dennyhamlin He does not GAF. I sincerely hope he brings a championship home this year.” commented another fan, commending Hamlin’s ability to go about his way despite the unnecessary criticism.

On the other hand, some fans did not like it as much as the others. He replied, “Such a sore winner and sore loser. Win with some class and you won’t be booed”

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The tug of war between the pro-Hamlin and the anti-Hamlin factions will go on for as long as it has. But this won’t stop the Bristol winner Denny Hamlin from going for the title year after year. The 42-year-old is the frontrunner for the championship if he keeps up with his performances.